Three years ago, Elaine and I just happened to be driving from Terradets to Bielsa, enjoying the beautiful scenery in the Pyrenees. We were particularly impressed by a very promising looking cliff, whilst heading south on the N260, especially as we noticed two climbers on the left end of the crag. Immediately psyched, we stopped to investigate. However, on closer inspection, it wasn't possible for Ruff to get across the river via the obvious monkey bridge so we continued to Bielsa.
The years went by but I never forgot about that impressive cliff. Guillaume Bouloumie drew us a very vague topo one day at Las Devotas. On another occasion, Bertrand Fourtanier (a friend from Toulouse) told us we just had to go, as it was perfect for summer and the climbs were very good. We still didn't get there because of the difficult access for Ruff. (She hadn't really been keen going to La Ramirole in a rucksack, so we didn't want to chance it again.)
Then Rich Kirby asked me if I wanted to climb with him for a week, he proposed La Ola (as the cliff was called). Being retired now meant that I could sneak in a quick visit, especially as Elaine wanted Ruff to stay behind for some company in my absence. Game on!
The climbing was indeed fantastic, consisting of long, overhanging stamina fests on edges, pockets and tufas, and Rich and I had an absolute blast of a time. I would particularly recommend "Highway To Hell" (7b+), "Shark Fin" (8a+) and a new 7c at the right hand end of the crag.
